A shelter. One word, yet it evokes so many negative emotions. I know not all shelters are bad and more and more of these facilities are doing their best to make dogs feel at home. But still… Can anything truly replace a home?
I don’t think so and neither does Arizona.
Although being cared for, cherished, and loved by every single person in her Tennessee rescue, Arizona’s heart broke a little with each passing day.
She officially earned the status of the shelter’s longest resident at almost 1,400 days, with adopters nowhere in sight. Until…
Four Birthdays At Humane Education Society
Just like any dog arriving at a shelter for the first time, Arizona was frightened, too. Almost four years ago, she was completely shut down and didn’t trust people.
Why would she, after all? She did not have any single reason to trust anyone until the good people of Humane Educational Society in Tennessee gave her one: love.
Little by little, this Pittie girl felt more comfortable with her caregivers. She embraced her environment, came out of her shell, and began to exhibit her wonderful nature. Fast forward almost four years, Arizona became everyone’s favorite. And, that still did not earn her a new home.
“Arizona is an AMAZING girl who has come a long way from the dog she was nearly 4 years ago when she 1st arrived to HES,” the Tennessee shelter stated on Facebook.
Despite her loving nature, the HES team expressed their regret that she had not found a home for herself.
“She’s more than ready to find her forever home – we can’t wait to wave goodbye to her when she finally rides off with her forever family,” HES added.
For some reason, Arizona has always been overlooked. However, she didn’t allow any of that to affect her. She had her hoomans, her favorite doggo bud, Paddy, and countless hours of playtime awaiting her in the shelter.
Then, Paddy got adopted – and Arizona’s heart was broken again.
She was left all alone, with the pup she had bonded with taken away. But, not long after that, a life-changing miracle unfolded!
Miracle, Happy Tears, And Arizona’s Happily Ever After
The family who adopted Paddy couldn’t help but wonder about Arizona’s situation. They knew the two were best friends and felt utterly sorry that this dog hadn’t found a forever home yet.
That’s why after careful consideration and hours of making plans, the Habenicht family decided to adopt her.
“4 birthdays. 4 Christmases. 4 LONG YEARS of waiting… HES’s longest resident has found her forever home after nearly 1,400 days in the shelter,” the shelter wrote in an update post.
Needless to say, Arizona was over the moon! Not only did she find a beautiful home and people who won’t disappoint her, but she was also reunited with Paddy, her doggo soulmate.
Plus, she gained another sibling – a senior dog named Beaux, with whom Arizona and Paddy will make a fantastic trio.
Everyone at the shelter was overjoyed for Arizona. There were tears of joy everywhere… justifiably so!
“Shelter staff, volunteers, and all those who have known and loved her, cried happy tears as she walked out the door one final time and into her forever home,” her caregivers added.
From now on, Arizona, the shelter’s longest resident, will have a family of her own. She will no longer need to worry about being adopted or watching her friends get adopted, as now she has it all… as she should have!